Great article! Thank you for sharing! I had a follow-up questions. You mentioned that aerobic exercise yields health benefits for the brain. How does this fit in with CrossFit where the workouts tend to be more intense? Do high intensity workouts deliver the same results?
High-intensity workouts, such as those in CrossFit, can offer brain health benefits akin to traditional aerobic exercises. Similar to aerobic activities, CrossFit and other high-intensity interval training (HIIT) routines can elevate Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels, crucial for learning and memory, and enhance cerebral blood flow, providing increased oxygen and nutrients to the brain. They also potentially improve cognitive functions and bolster the brain's resilience to stress. While these intense workouts are effective, they should be approached with caution, especially for beginners or those with health conditions. A balanced fitness regimen that combines both HIIT and moderate aerobic exercises can offer comprehensive health benefits, including for brain health, ensuring safety and suitability for individual fitness levels and health conditions.
Loved your article. As a 56 year old woman I exercise daily, mostly training for long distance events here in Western Australia. Everything triathalon, do a little bit of rowing... love to move. Thanks for inspiring us with the science behind the aging brain.
I’ve seen studies that too many minutes of High Intensity workouts each week could be detrimental, particularly to your mitochondria and those with energy issues. Is there a weekly sweet spot on the amount of time exercising at each zone?
Unrelated question: can Creatine supplementation impact sleep negatively? Any studies look into that. Asking for a friend…
Great article! Thank you for sharing! I had a follow-up questions. You mentioned that aerobic exercise yields health benefits for the brain. How does this fit in with CrossFit where the workouts tend to be more intense? Do high intensity workouts deliver the same results?
High-intensity workouts, such as those in CrossFit, can offer brain health benefits akin to traditional aerobic exercises. Similar to aerobic activities, CrossFit and other high-intensity interval training (HIIT) routines can elevate Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels, crucial for learning and memory, and enhance cerebral blood flow, providing increased oxygen and nutrients to the brain. They also potentially improve cognitive functions and bolster the brain's resilience to stress. While these intense workouts are effective, they should be approached with caution, especially for beginners or those with health conditions. A balanced fitness regimen that combines both HIIT and moderate aerobic exercises can offer comprehensive health benefits, including for brain health, ensuring safety and suitability for individual fitness levels and health conditions.
Loved your article. As a 56 year old woman I exercise daily, mostly training for long distance events here in Western Australia. Everything triathalon, do a little bit of rowing... love to move. Thanks for inspiring us with the science behind the aging brain.
Thanks Ann, I am so happy you enjoy the newsletter!
4-5 times a week. Thank you for the easy to understand facts . My first newsletter today
amazing!
I’ve seen studies that too many minutes of High Intensity workouts each week could be detrimental, particularly to your mitochondria and those with energy issues. Is there a weekly sweet spot on the amount of time exercising at each zone?
Unrelated question: can Creatine supplementation impact sleep negatively? Any studies look into that. Asking for a friend…
60 year old doing high intensity intervals for 30 minutes 3 times weekly. I’ll let you know in 20-30 years if it’s enough...